RALEIGH, N.C., Dec. 16, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced today USDA is investing $1.4 million to expand economic opportunities and access to housing for underserved rural people who live and work in North Carolina.
The five projects in which USDA is investing in will create economic opportunities and improve the lives of thousands of people across the Tar Heel State.
The investments are part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to ensure people living in rural North Carolina have equitable access to the infrastructure and economic opportunities they deserve.
“USDA invests in rural America because we know a strong community is rooted in its people,” Torres Small said. “Thanks to the leadership of President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack USDA can help invest in opportunity and prosperity for all people, regardless of background or financial status, who make up the character and personality of our great country’s rural lands.”
For example:
- In Greene County, Snow Hill Rural Fire Department Inc. will use a $75,000 Communities Facilities Disaster Grant to purchase a brush fire truck.
- In Moore County, Habitat for Humanity of the North Carolina Sandhills will use a $200,000 Housing Preservation Grant for the repair or rehabilitation of housing owned or occupied by low-income rural citizens in Moore and Richmond counties. The assistance will allow the organization to help 25 households.
- In Surry County, Surry Medical Ministries Foundation Inc. will use a $500,000 Community Facilities Disaster Grant to purchase a 9,342 square foot building to continue its mission and provide free primary care to uninsured, low-income residents in the greater Surry County area. The structure will feature six exam rooms, a pharmacy, and include additional services available such as financial counselors and nurses.
- In Watauga County, WAMY Community Action Inc. will use a $150,000 Housing Preservation Grant for the repair or rehabilitation of housing owned or occupied by low-income rural citizens. The geographical areas served are Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, and Yancey counties. The assistance will allow the organization to help 15 households.
- In Yadkin County, Rural Faith Development Community Development Corp. will use a $250,000 Rural Community Development Initiative Grant to provide funding for technical assistance, education, and training to enhance the community's capacity to learn, receive support, and engage in coaching for participants to learn skills necessary to create and identify job possibilities and maintain good employee relationships.
"Delivering housing, infrastructure and education benefits to children, families and individuals in rural America helps to expand economic opportunities and create good jobs for generations to come,” said State Director Reginald Speight, “These investments are in addition to the recent expansion of the Rural Partners Network (RPN), which is central to President Biden’s commitment to ensure all rural people can benefit from federal resources.”
Background:
Torres Small highlighted investments that USDA is making in 11 programs specifically designed to help people and communities in rural areas. These programs are Water and Waste Disposal Grants to Alleviate Health Risks on Tribal Lands and Colonias, Appalachian Regional Commission Grants, Delta Health Care Grants, Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grants, Housing Preservation Grants, Rural Community Development Initiative Grants, Tribal College Initiative Grants, Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants, Rural and Native Alaskan Village Grants, Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants and Community Facilities Disaster Grant Program.
The funding will benefit hundreds of thousands of people in 47 states and American Samoa. It reflects the many ways USDA Rural Development addresses economic development, infrastructure and social service needs for rural residents and communities.
The awards announced today are being made in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming and American Samoa.
These investments are in addition to the recent expansion of the RPN, which is central to President Biden’s commitment to ensure all rural people can benefit from federal resources. Led by USDA with support from more than 20 federal agencies and commissions, RPN is part of an all-of-government strategy to champion rural people and places, including Native American communities.
Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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